WEST SOUND WILDLIFE SHELTER

West Sound Wildlife Shelter is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which provides injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife a second chance at life . It promotes the well-being of wildlife and their habitats through public outreach, education, and involvement. The Shelter (WSWS) is also a wildlife rehabilitation and education facility. It serves as the primary rehabilitation center for Kitsap County and other counties in the western Puget Sound region. We rehabilitate injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife, giving them a second chance at life. We strive to follow best practices when it comes to caring for our patients and our education animals.

In addition to our rehabilitation efforts, WSWS works with the greater western Puget Sound community on habitat and species conservation and education. We have partnerships with several local community groups and work with the cities of Bainbridge Island, Gig Harbor, Kingston, Port Gamble, and Poulsbo to promote conservation, education, and awareness.

WSWS holds state and federal rehabilitation permits from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, allowing us to rehabilitate migratory birds and small and medium mammals. The Shelter holds a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit to possess non-releasable raptors for educational programs. The permanent WSWS staff includes the Executive Director, two full-time Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators, two seasonal Wildlife Rehabilitation Technicians, and one Volunteer Coordinator/Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistant. The entire Wildlife Care team includes the shelter staff, seasonal employees, seasonal interns, more than 70 wildlife care and support volunteers, and five volunteer veterinarians.